Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he warned President Juan Carlos Varela of Panama about doing business with China. Pompeo criticized Chinese state-owned enterprises that engage in “predatory economic activity.”Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks with reporters while flying from Panama to Mexico on Thursday. Pompeo said he discussed a range of issues with Panamanian leaders, from economic ties to counternarcotics. ( Brendan Smialowski / The Associated Press )As his plane left Panama City, Pompeo recounted his talks with Varela and local journalists. Clearly concerned that Panama could become a beachhead for growing Chinese economic influence in the Western Hemisphere, he emphasized that Panamanians should be cautious when considering business ties with China.

Source: thestar October 19, 2018 14:15 UTC